Nieuw Amsterdam Overview
Cruise Critic

When Holland America launched Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010, the line unveiled a fresh take on its successful style: a traditional cruising experience, which steers clear of rock climbing walls and waterslides in favor of timeless touches like fancy afternoon tea and elegant formal nights (when most passengers go above and beyond with their ensembles). Several years post-launch, the ship still focuses on continually growing entertainment, enrichment and dining options while still embracing the past. (Note the vintage art and black and white photographs highlighting notable moments throughout the line's history.) Nieuw Amsterdam lives up to the line's standards with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and attention to service. The ship also pays homage to its name with subtle New York-inspired elements in its art collection and design (notably the atrium chandelier and main dining room).

Friendly service and top-quality dining are also hallmarks of this line. With the addition of the Master Chef's Table, which serves an outstanding tasting dinner in its own classy room, Nieuw Amsterdam offers four different gourmet menus, including those found at the Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and the weekly Le Cirque presentation. The menu at Canaletto has also been enhanced with a small plates option to make sure passengers continue to have a variety of choices.

Although not particularly known for its entertainment, the ship shines with its lineup of world-class musicians from B.B. King's Blues Club -- in which the Queen's Lounge is transformed to resemble the renowned Memphis club.

Nieuw Amsterdam's layout is well designed, and passengers will quickly learn their way around the ship. The combination of classic, understated elegance, a relaxed vibe and easy walkability will make first-time cruisers and repeaters both feel right at home.

Nieuw Amsterdam Fellow Passengers

Holland America ships tend to appeal to a mature crowd, with a mix of Americans, Europeans, Canadians and Australians. Look for more families and multigenerational groups during summers and school holidays.

Nieuw Amsterdam Dress Code

During the day, dress is casual. In the evenings, dress is categorized either as smart casual or formal. Smart casual for men means slacks and collared shirts (and perhaps a jacket, though it's not required). For women, it's skirts or trousers with sweaters or blouses. Formal draws tuxedos, dark suits or jackets and ties for men, while women don suits, cocktail dresses or gowns. On our seven-night cruise, most passengers went dressed to the nines on both formal nights.

Nieuw Amsterdam Gratuity

The automatic tip for passengers staying in interior, oceanview and verandah cabins is $12.50 per person, per day. Passengers in suites will be charged $13.50 per person, per day.

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Nieuw Amsterdam Member Reviews

A blissful voyage began without a hitch, other than a short traffic delay in Fort Lauderdale. Embarkation was quick and easy. Holland America does not greet guests with a horde of smiling staff pushing shore excursions and beverage packages, just a ...
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Firstly let me say the ship is immaculate, my stateroom was fabulous and the service from my cabin stewards top notch Now to the not so fabulous. partly it was a case of my choosing the wrong cruise line, one that was catering to people with ...
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We had not sailed HAL for ten years. We expected the usual 98% of men in blue blazers every night, crowded dance floors, and so-so food.
What we got was the same attire as any other line, empty dance floor, an exceptional staff, and food equal ...
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